NASHVILLE – Nissan’s top-selling model in the U.S., the Nissan Altima was named one of the “10 Most Comfortable Cars Under $30,000” by Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com, the Franklin-based car maker announced.

The 2014 Altima, which is built in Smyrna, finished sixth on the list, with KBB.com editors specifically citing its “notably comfortable” NASA-inspired “Zero Gravity” front seats as a selling-point.

“In addition to its advanced ‘Zero Gravity’ front seats, the 2014 Altima features soft-touch armrests as well as noise absorption materials to help reduce cabin noise and improve the overall experience inside the vehicle,“ said Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Nissan Sales & Marketing and Operations. “Coupled with its innovative, stylish design and wide range of available technology features, the Altima is the perfect home-away-from-home. This honor from Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com further reaffirms our commitment to comfortable, quality products and the needs of our customers.”

To create the “10 Most Comfortable Cars Under $30,000” list, KBB.com editors selected cars offering comfort-oriented features that “debuted upmarket just a few years ago.”

Each of the 10 vehicles start below $30,000 according to Kelley Blue Book’s Fair Purchase Price, a tool designed to show shoppers what others are paying for a specific new car. The 2014 Altima’s current FPP is $21,223, among the top three most affordable on the list.

One of the top selling cars in the U.S., the Altima offers a premium exterior and interior and driver-focused technology. Its many attributes include outstanding fuel economy of 38 mpg highway (2.5-liter engine only) and an outstanding balance of ride comfort, stability and a fun-to-drive demeanor. Altima is offered in five well-equipped models to meet a wide range of needs and budgets – and with a choice of a 182-horsepower 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine or 270-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. Both engines are matched with a smooth, efficient Xtronic transmission.